FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2010, file photo, a shaft of sunlight creates a glow near Horsetail Fall, in Yosemite National Park, Calif. Adventurers hoping to see Yosemite National Park's annual "firefall" will need reservations. At least 50 permits will be issued for each day between Feb. 12 and Feb. 26. The annual event is known to attract over 1,000 sightseers a year. (Eric Paul Zamora/The Fresno Bee via AP, File)

Reservations required this year to see Yosemite 'firefall'

Feb. 04, 2018

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Adventurers hoping to see Yosemite National Park's annual "firefall" will need reservations.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports Yosemite has instituted a new reservation system this year to end traffic jams and pedestrian safety problems when spectators flock to Horsetail Falls on the east side of El Capitan to see the fiery orange glow at sunset.

The annual February event is known to attract over 1,000 sightseers a year.

Those hoping to see the natural wonder must apply for a free, day parking permit, which grants access to parking on Northside Drive between the Yosemite Valley Lodge and El Capitan Crossover.

Registration opened Saturday, with a limit of one vehicle permit per person each day. At least 50 permits will be issued for each day between Feb. 12 and Feb. 26.